Reiki

Reiki (pronounced Ray-Kee) is an alternative healing art that stands alone or works compatibly with other forms of treatment. It involves the channeling of life force energy through the practitioner's hands, usually at the recipient's chakra points, and is a wonderful way to reduce stress and support the body's natural ability to heal itself.

The word comes from two Japanese kanji: KI, life energy, and REI, the higher spiritual consciousness that guides it. So Reiki is actually spiritually guided life force energy.

One common misconception is that Reiki is a form of massage. Although a massage-type table is often used, the resemblance ends there. Reiki works on the level of energy so there is no tissue manipulation involved. Many massage therapists employ Reiki, however, and it is a wonderful adjunct to other modalities as well.

We are multi-leveled beings, and Reiki reaches us on all levels -- physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. Blockages of our life force energy can cause conditions of imbalance we recognize as sickness. Reiki unties our energy knots, smoothes our rough spots, invites peace and encourages us to behave harmoniously with one another. Using Reiki daily has effected profound changes in my emotional state, my worldview, and my ability to handle the stress of a musician's lifestyle! And it feels, to me, to be something beneficial and positive that I can offer the world -- in the same way that I hope my music serves to heal, uplift, and open.